RODE NT1000 Vocal Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)I went shopping for a Rode NT1. Rode mics use superb capsules mounted in machined housings you could drive a truck over, and the NT1 is a great mic for male vocals. The guy at the store suggested the NT1000. I recorded myself on both, and there wasn't much difference, but the 1000 just sounded a little smoother. But, the NT1 had a painted finish (may have changed since), made out of aluminum. When you screw the mount on it feels rough, like screwing in a light bulb with an aluminum base. The NT1000, though, feels rich and expensive, a nickel-steel finish (I guess) more like the expensive Neumanns. And when you screw the parts together they feel precise and elegant. It was a hundred bucks more than the NT1, but with the slightly nicer sound, and the much nicer look and handling feel, it seemed worth it.
The only problem I've had with it is weight. It's fairly heavy, and can't be extended very far on my boom stand without falling over.
Great dynamic range, low noise, very detailed.

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Behringer B2030A Active 2-Way Reference Studio Monitor (Set of 2) Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased these with the assumption that I was not going to get the quality sound I wanted as opposed to KRK monitors (WAAAY overpriced) for my small studio. Boy was I wrong! The sound quality is better than expected to say the least. They're HEAVY, thus you won't be too worried about knocking them over (like the smaller KRK's or M-Audio Studiophiles I've seen). Took these over to a friends house for mixdown of video's he's been working on, and adjusted the settings for his video editing hardware and room dynamics. He then changed his mind after about some 5 hours of video editing. Not the best, but I'll be putting my money into what I can use rather than a name (KRK, JBL, Tannoy, Genlec are just TOO much. . .even for just one monitor). And it'se never about what you got, it's what you do with it.
There are going to be reviews bashing them, but when I have audio engineers telling me "good choice, cuz the KRK's are sometimes WAAY too bassy", I feel I've done my job and research into finding what I can afford.
Just a quick note. . .do give these "burn in" time. meaning give them some time to run before going all out on those mixes. Similar to tube preamps for guitar heads/cabs. . .burn em in slowly so you can get the full effect later. I haven't had these long enough, but I can say they are the best part of my studio.

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Tascam US1641 USB 2.0 Audio and MIDI Interface with digital Connection - Macintosh and Windows Review

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(More customer reviews)I looked at virtually every multiple mic interface on the market and couldn't find anything to touch this in features and/or price... so I bought it.
Wow!This thing rocks! I connected up 8 microphones for Kick, Snare, Hi-hat, Tom 1, Tom 2, Tom 3, Left Overhead and Right Overhead... all those mics plug into the 8 XLR mic sockets at the front of the unit. Got some really great 20ft XLR mic cables from Amazon for only $6.95 each (Whirlwind LowZ Microphone Cable (20 Foot) I then plugged in my bass guitar into one of 2 switchable line/guitar 1/4" mono inputs on the front.
Each of the 10 front panel inputs has a volume control knob and red/green led. The drummer hits each drum individually one by one so I can adjust each vol control so that it just occasionally clips red but mostly stays green.
After adjusting the six individual drum mics I now get the drummer to play the whole set and I adjust the left and right overheads mics so they don't clip (go red). That's it! The mics are setup ready to record.
I took the main output from the back of the unit to my monitors and there's a volume control on the front of the unit to allow you to turn down the monitor while recording... then you turn it up to listen back... so in effect, the unit has it's own monitoring control.
Two headphone jacks would've been nice, but I used a Y-adapter 1/4" Headphone Splitter to split the output allowing me to plug in the two headphones for me and the drummer.
I now setup recording on my laptop (HP TX2500z) using the supplied Cubase LE4 software which is really easy to use - buy yourself the The Complete Idiot's Guide to Recording with Cubase. There's no specific book for version LE4 but this idiot's guide worked great for me.
A note about my notebook - It's a tablet PC laptop HP Pavilion tx2500z 12.1" TOUCH-SCREEN Notebook with a great touch screen - so you can arm/disarm or mute/unmute your record channels/tracks just by touching the screen buttons with your finger - it's just like a real mixing desk with real tactile switches - it's really cool!
You may need to tweak your laptop for audio recording to get the best results otherwise you will hear artifacts (odd noises) when recording if the laptop is struggling to find the necessary processing power. I tweaked my laptop and it was just amazing to see the difference in performance. You can Google "Tweak Vista for audio recording" to find the information on how to tweak.
I also replaced my 5400rpm drive with a 7200rpm drive Seagate 500 GB 7200RPM 2.5" Drive - it's real easy to do... Google "Upgrading laptop hard drive". As well as getting a faster speed drive I also made it a 500GB to replace the 320GB drive that I had - so lot's more space... and very low cost too!
RESULTS!!!!!!!!!!!
Well... Let me tell you, I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY by the results obtained with this unit! The Tascam 1641 is an amazing piece of gear and Amazon's price is just out of this World at only $299...
It's like having a whole recording studio in a box - the mic pre's, the mixing desk (vol controls), the signal LED's, the monoring vol control, headphone controls, etc... AND the software - all for $299 - You can't beat that!
The actual sound that I got was totally professional - I couldn't have done better if I was in a top-notch recording studio. I am 100,000% satisfied!
GO FOR IT!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!!!



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Korg M50 61 Key Synthesizer Workstation Review

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(More customer reviews)I really cannot offer any insight as to the positives and negatives on this keyboard. When you have this level of control and power at your hands then frankly only the musician can decide if the product is worth adding to their music set up. But I do feel the best way of showing a product like this is to just overview it and let you, the musicians, decide.
So rather than explain how amazing I think this keyboard is (and it is!) I have produced the quick video above. This is by far the best keyboard I own and I'll let the video demonstrate why. Ultimately every sound you hear was created completely live as shown, and that's despite the whole thing being recorded by the on-board mic of a cheap camera. So if you're after an amazing keyboard far surpassing your wildest desires then this is it.
Sometimes when viewing a user video showcasing a MIDI music product it's hard to make a judgment call as to whether the individual instrument is suitable for your needs when there's a lot of other equipment connected to it - all outputting great sounds at the same time. The attached video is pure M50, so please take a listen and see what you think.
Some things that I forgot or didn't have time to cover in video:
The sequencer can be played live or step by step, so if you're feeling a little rusty you can manually key in each note as you wish and change them easily.
The M50 accepted the entire pedal data from my Casio PX500L (which I also purchased on Amazon) which is shown underneath the Korg M50. That was without need for any MIDI changes or complications - it was MIDI plug-and-play as expected in this day and age of agreed midi channels. But I didn't use the pedals in the video deliberately so the recording would be pure M50, but they do work and can sustain/damper the Korg etc with ease through the Casio.
The MIDI triggers buttons, which I show on the modulation/pitch bend/joystick area can be set to ANYTHING - any MIDI trigger that you need and you can even trigger THEM with a foot switch pedal.
The song sequencer is totally editable. This may sound like a silly thing to say but it's worth stressing as it can act more like a song accompaniment than a mere playback of what you just performed. It's a recording of MIDI data of your performance and given the massive polyphonic nature of the M50 you could use the sequencer just to trigger events such as drum riffs or instrument changes and THEN play over it live. Or record multiple passes. It's not just a digital 8 track tape deck for your jamming tracks of old.
The COMBI MODE has lots of stunning string and voice combination patches. I didn't do them justice!
The M50 is much bigger than it looks in this video - in tandem with the wide angle lens on my camera, and my fairly giant-sized meat hooks, the keyboard looks quite small. It's not!
Finally there are no speakers the M50. You need an amp and speakers. I do welcome any questions in the comments section of this review and I'll do my best to answer them. Finally sorry the video cuts off so quickly - the amazon 10 minute time limit cut in quick and I was enjoying myself!

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MXL V67Q Stereo Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this microphone to record piano music, chamber music and choral concerts. This is a serious professional microphone at a very reasonable price. It is stereo, and requires phantom power, which right away limits the devices you record on. You basically have to use pro equipment. It comes with a 5 pin stereo XLR connector cable which is only 10 feet long, You can get longer 5 pin stereo XLR connectors from musiciansfriend, Amazon or B and H photo/video. I use a Marantz CDR-300 recorder, but you could also use a marantz 310, any digital multi-track recorder or pro-tool/mac/digidesign interface box setup. (just make sure the interface box has two XLR inputs). The advantage to using a stereo mike is that it only requires one stand and one cable, and this mike sounds fantastic. You do have to back up from whatever you are recording, because it is very sensitive. Watch your levels when you are recording. It records the entire frequency spectrum, very quiet mike, but also very sensitive, you will hear every sniff and cough. It is a neutral mic, warm enough, and doesn't have a digital "edge" to it. I'm very happy with it. The color scheme is a little loud (I call it my Notre Dame Leprechaun Bling-Bling microphone) but once you get past that, it's a serious piece of electronic recording hardware. My previous microphone was a $200 Sony ECM-957 and I've also used a Rode NT-4 (~$600) this is as good as the Rode, but at one third the price. The MXL V67Q is the same price as the Sony but much better, wider spectrum, more neutrl and quieter. You should get a shock mount (I use the MXL 57) and a good tripod (I have an On-stage tripod, the end of the tripod accepts the MXL 57 shock mount). In summary, you can't do much better than this if you are trying to record classical music in a live venue with a digital recorder that has phantom power and XLR connectors. Highly recommended. for more info, go to www.mxlmics.com.

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Nady Small Diaphram Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a drummer with a home studio. I was looking for a small condensor to place over my ride cymbal to gain a tad more control aside from the stereo over heads I am already using. This mic was my choice because of my past experience with Nady products and the price. It has a full clear sound with very high gain. What I actually ended up doing was using it as my Hi Hat mic and using the AKG i had over the ride with fantastic results. The only thing I can say is the mic does not have a low end roll off switch which would make it it top notch, but that was easy to remedy by just using a parametric EQ to gain the results I wanted. 2 thumbs up for the Nady condensor. Just the price alone makes it worth buying

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Cakewalk Studio Instruments Review

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(More customer reviews)Cakewalk Studio Instruments are a great foundational set of instruments to add to a persons home digital recording studio. Drums,Bass,Keys,Strings. The salt N pepper that most music requires at a great price and easy function.
I am a confessed Gear-a-holic. I love to find things like the studio instruments kit that don't cost an arm n leg, but that will "Broaden" your color pallet of sound. It's a tool that is fun to use, visually easy to understand and the sound is pleasing. What more could you ask for?


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Can't play bass drums piano or violin? No problem! Just point and click and you are making music. It's that easy!Introducing Cakewalk Studio Instruments the world's first easy-to-use and affordable software instrument collection for Mac and PC. Cakewalk Studio Instruments includes a high quality Drum Kit Bass Guitar Electric Piano and String Section that can be played stand alone or inside your favorite music-making software such as Cakewalk Music Creator Apple GarageBand Magix Music Maker Deluxe SONY ACID Music Studio and more (see list below for complete list of compatible products).Cakewalk Studio Instruments include pre-recorded patterns played by ace session musicians so you can build sections for your songs practice or just have fun jamming along.And Studio Instruments sound great because they're from Cakewalk makers of the most popular music creation software in the world used daily by Grammy® winning musicians and producers. Start making music today with Cakewalk Studio Instruments!Format: WIN XPVISTA/MAC 10.4 OR LATERUB Genre:PRODUCTIVITY UPC:787537171044 Manufacturer No:10-CWSI1.00-10C

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Blue Microphones Bluebird Cardioid Condenser Mic Review

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(More customer reviews)This microphone sounds very good on everything I've tried it on. Running the mic through a DBX 376 mic pre, I was able to get some great vocals. Though to get a good amount of clarity on the consonants I did have to ask the singer to back up about six inches from the mic. Being close in, the mic just didn't pick up the T and S sounds. With that adjustment, the mic did a good job on vocals ending up with takes the singer and I were both happy with. It didn't blow me away, but it sounded good. I've used it on a combo amp with good results as well as acoustic guitar and mandolin with better results. Not blown away, but overall happy with the way it sounds being a two to three hundred dollar mic.
What I really don't like about this mic is how the look of the design and aesthetics of the mic are clearly more important to blue than the functionality. Getting this thing in and out of the shock mount is a bit of a pain as it threads into it. I just know I'm going to mis-thread the thing once and have to spend another 80 bucks to get a replacement. Also, every time you adjust the angle of the shock mount you really have to crank the small thumb screw to get it to stay into place. I find the thing very difficult to lock into place all for the sake of looking attractive. I find nothing less attractive than poor functionality. Which brings me to the pop screen. I've read plenty of reviews claiming the pop screen was useless. I wouldn't know because the screen that came with my mic doesn't fit the mic. I sent an email off to Blue and didn't hear anything for two weeks, in the mean time Amazon shipped a free replacement, but it had the exact same issue. Blue responded to a second email and they said the last batch of screens was bad. Blue is supposed to be shipping me a pop screen "when they become available", so I hope I'll be getting one.
All in all, it's a good sounding mic for the money. I find it to be on par with my ADK A51. It's not the "crown jewel" of my modest mic collection but a different flavor to use. But I find the functionality of the accessories to be cumbersome at best, and unusable at worst.

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Korg X50 61-Key Synthesizer Review

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(More customer reviews)I've owned the x50 for a couple of years now and use it in my home studio. First of all is sound quality. The top of the line Korg series is the Triton keyboards, which cost thousands of dollars (depending on the model). This keyboard uses the same engine, so the sounds are quite similar to the top of the line model. In other words, incredible sounds.
So why is it less than a thousand bucks? First of all, it's not as customizable. Make no mistake, you can still tweak every sound, but it's not as easy or as in depth as the Triton series.
Second are the physical stats: 61 VELOCITY SENSITIVE, but NOT weighted keys. This means that you can still play with dynamic control, but there isn't the feedback one might be used to from a piano. The keyboard itself is very well constructed but mainly plastic. It will surprise you in it's lack of heft, but don't confuse that with cheapness. It's solid.
So why use this? The voices are amazing. I use it in my home studio to backup my guitar. For one song I wrote in a flute solo and then brought in a flautist to learn the song so she could play with me live. She commented on how good the flautist was who recorded for me. She didn't even know it was a keyboard.
The strings, piano and organ sections are particularly strong.
It's great for my studio since I'm not a pianist. It's exceedingly portable so it would be great for gigs too. It's really a great deal since you get thousands of dollars worth of voices for less than a thousand.

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MXL USB007 USB Stereo Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)As a music director, I bought this for its portability to record concerts in stereo. Just hook it up to a laptop computer (plugs into a USB port) and record away - anywhere! The resulting WAV file is already on the computer ready to tweak in Sound Forge. The stereo sound quality is rich and accurate. We have been very impressed.

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Rocktron Banshee Talk Box Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this talkbox from Musicians friend here in Kansas city and I must say I love it. No tricky set up. You just simply plug in and play your instrument. I am a keyboard player and it makes my Yamaha DX100 sound amazingly great. I like the effects that you can do with the box. In the manual it is also explained very well about setting up. If you were to read the Rocktron description, it says that you can't distroy the driver. I have even spoken to a gentlemen at the company and he has said that he has turned up his box to the maximum volume. There is one let down in this review I do want to mention. I understand that guitarists have been using this effect. That's fine. I have no problem with that. But what about us keyboardists? Professional, and or hobbiests? Everyone is looking at this and saying that this can only be hooked up to a guitar, or bass. Wrong wrong wrong! This is also a talkbox for a keyboard. I mean sure, Roger Troutman, and Roger Troutman II have had different talkbox sounds, but, Roger Troutman II used the Rocktron when he recorded the second coming in 2000. So, don't look at this box just for guitarists, look at this box for keyboardists too!

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Roland JUNO-G 61 Key Workstation Music Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)I promise you will not be sorry purchasing this sampling / workstation. Roland once again delivers precision and quality in this keyboard. It gives you complete control over sampling editing and allows you to create an extensive library of sampled and new sounds. Along with its 16 track workstation you get 4 audio sampling tracks that samples 16 bit and 24 bit sounds/instruments. I've owned Roland for years and I'm not a representative for their company. If you study the price of other keyboards, you will learn that others do not offer this much for this price. Treat yourself and your talent and buy this keyboard. Your studio will thank you!

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M-Audio AXIOM 49 Advanced 49-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Controller Review

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(More customer reviews)First things first, I'm no pianist. I purchased this controller to work with DAWs and soft synths. So far I'm really pleased with the purchase. The faders feel a bit dry but function nicely. The rotary encoders support absolute and relative CCs, keeping parameters from jumping when changing presets. The keyboard keys feel solid and aren't springy like the Keystation line. The blue display is informational and easy to read in light and dark environments. It's also nice the keyboard is powered off the USB bus. No need for a wall-wart adapter.
The reasons I'm giving it a 4 out of 5 instead of a 5 are the following:
1. the keyboard advertises aftertouch. This is not polyphonic aftertouch, but the less expressive channel aftertouch. Say you play a C3 and hold the note, then hit a C5 and add aftertouch only to the C5. Aftertouch is not applied to only C5 but to both C3 and C5. This can be a bit surprising the first time you try it.
2. No printed manual. A paper manual is something I like getting with hardware.
3. Pitch bend only sends coarse adjustments. This makes the pitch bend knob a bit sensitive to expressive play.
4. Customizing the layout of the instrument requires M-Audio's Enigma software. Personally I don't really like it and wish the Axiom's didn't have a black box sysex format. It'd be nice to customize the layout of the keyboard w/o using this clunky app.
I still really like this keyboard. It feels solid, plays well and is a good mid-entry midi keyboard/controller.

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If you need total MIDI control and playability in a compact package, check out the Axiom 49. This advanced 49-key USB mobile MIDI controller delivers semi-weighted action plus assignable aftertouch, along with eight rubberized trigger pads that are perfect for hands-on drum programming and performance. Nine sliders complement eight endless rotary encoder knobs to control just about any software studio parameter you can think of. 15 MIDI-assignable buttons--including six transport controls--and assignable wheels and foot pedals round out total control. The dedicated front-panel keypad and backlit LCD screen provide intuitive setup. There's room for 20 non-volatile memory locations for instant access to setups, plus compatibility with our free Enigma editor/librarian software for managing a virtually infinite library via Mac or PC.



Total MIDI Control and Playability in a Compact Package

Get Into the Action The Axiom series of mobile USB MIDI controllers has everything it takes to get the most from your MIDI software and hardware. Semi-weighted action complete with aftertouch gives you great feel and expression for both synth parts and pianistic passages. Eight rubberized trigger pads put your drums at your fingertips for programming with feel--or easy fire samples or visual effects.
Total MIDI Control Assign the eight rotary encoders to mixer controls like panning and effects sends, or to any synth parameters you want to control. Map the nine sliders to software mixer faders or drawbars on your virtual organ. 15 buttons, pitch and mod wheels, and sustain and expression pedal jacks round out a tour de force of MIDI domination. Assigning controllers is simple, yet has the power to let you delve as deep as you want. Each controller can map to just about any applicable parameter in the MIDI spec, including independent channel addressing for each. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
Intuitive Front-Panel Programming M-Audio Axiom MIDI controllers all feature a large backlit LCD screen for visual feedback--and the 61-key and 49-key models also place a 10-key pad right on the front panel for direct, intuitive programming. You'll also find 9 dedicated front-panel function buttons to easily access common operations like preset / program change or MIDI channel +/-, octave +/-, and transpose +/-. Use the Controller Mute button to prevent parameters from jumping when you change them, for example, then press Snapshot to transmit all current settings. 20 non-volatile memory locations instantly save and recall your favorite presets--and you can manage an entire preset library on your computer via SysEx dumps and our free Enigma software editor/librarian for PC and Mac.
Mobile Operation The Axiom series is extremely compact and lightweight and all models are powered directly from your computer's USB bus. Choose the size that's best for your needs, then take your music anywhere you want to go.

Axiom 49 Specs
MIDI Data from variable controllers:
MIDI Controller Number
RPN/NRPN
Program, Bank LSB, Bank MSB
Pitch Bend
GM/GM2/XG SysEx Messages

MIDI Data from buttons/switches:
MIDI Controller Number
Note On
Note On/Off toggle
RPN/NRPN
MIDI CC On/Off toggle
Program, Bank LSB, Bank MSB presets
MIDI Machine Control
GM/GM2/XG SysEx messages

Size: 31.9 x 11.2 x 2.6 inches; 81 x 28.5 x 6.6 (cm)
Weight: 10 lbs.; 4.5 kg

What's in the Box Axiom 49 Advanced 49-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Controller, User's Manual, Ableton Live Lite Software

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Korg M3-88 88-key Workstation/Sampler with Weighted Action and 512 Programs Review

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(More customer reviews)This machine is made by KORG.
Nuff said. I bought mine from the local music store, direct from the factory. Got a Radias EXB too. Worth it!

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M-Audio Axiom Pro 61 Advanced 61-Key USB MIDI Controller with HyperControl Technology Review

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(More customer reviews)I chose the Axiom Pro 61 mainly for its portability since I will soon have a surgery with a long recovery period and I wanted to still be able to play music even when I'm stuck in bed. I was concerned about not having hypercontrol with FL studio which is the main DAW that I use, but setup was a breeze. I particularly like the sliders, they provide smooth action with enough resistance for good feel. The knobs, pads, and buttons are completely satisfactory ad the semi weighted keys are great. The fact that it can be powered through USB means that I can grab my laptop and Axiom Pro and make music anywhere I please. I was going to rate this product 4/5 because it lacked presets for FL Studio when other controllers such as Cakewalk's have it, but the setup was so easy that I still give this product a 5/5.

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The M-Audio Axiom Pro 61 keyboard controller builds on the acclaimed Axiom 61 with premium TruTouch action, proprietary HyperControl MIDI mapping technology and other cutting-edge enhancements. HyperControl automatically maps the keyboard's 65 controls to commonly accessed parameters in digital audio workstations including Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic and Reason, as well as software instruments. The constant two-way link with your host DAW means the keyboard's controls are always in sync with your software's active parameters.

The intuitive graphic LCD constantly updates the current values, which ensures seamless editing and prevents parameter jumps--even when plug-ins are closed. Toggle instantly between Mixer and Instrument control modes. Map buttons to send QWERTY key commands right from the Axiom Pro 61. Save settings to 50 memory locations--each with four profiles of quick recall via the intuitive graphic LCD. Now you can control your entire session right from your Axiom Pro 61.

Enhanced DAW Integration with HyperControl Technology Thanks to revolutionary M-Audio HyperControl technology, your Axiom Pro 61 controller will automatically map to commonly used parameters of popular software instruments and digital audio workstations including Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic and Reason systems. HyperControl updates the virtual instrument or track parameter mappings of each control in real time as you sequence--it doesn't get any easier.
The HyperControl Difference While other controllers offer mapping, only the M-Audio Axiom Pro line has HyperControl technology. HyperControl synchronizes Axiom Pro with your DAW, ensuring that your hardware and software collaborate to form a single work environment. The technology utilizes the Axiom Pro 61 graphic LCD to group software controls together in a modular fashion. Similar controls are organized in named groups and accessed via four dedicated softkeys, which are continually updated to reflect the mapped parameters. A dedicated button toggles between Mixer and Instrument modes for instant hands-on control of all of your software's functionality. Dedicated Track buttons allow sequential navigation of your mixer and instantaneous mapping of software instruments within the selected track. You can even control software instruments without opening them.
DAW Transport and Track Navigation The six dedicated transport buttons on the Axiom Pro 61 controller give you immediate hands-on access to all of your host DAW's playback and recording controls. Unlike other all-or-nothing systems, Axiom Pro 61 also features a transport-only mode. This option lets you access DAW transports and track navigation via HyperControl technology, while creating and controlling your own custom MIDI assignments for the trigger pads, buttons, sliders and encoders.
Expressive Playability With great feel in a lightweight chassis, the Axiom Pro 61 controller provides a new level of creative inspiration. The M-Audio TruTouch keybed combines professional semi-weighted action with advanced high-speed keybed scanning technology for an ultra-expressive playing experience. Assignable aftertouch adds an extra measure of expression and control.
The Ultimate Pro Tools Keyboard Controller Whether you are working on a Pro Tools M-Powered, Pro Tools LE or Pro Tools|HD system, the Axiom Pro MIDI controllers set a new standard for Pro Tools keyboard control. Advanced M-Audio HyperControl technology puts instant access to all of your Pro Tools parameters at your fingertips--including mixing, individual track functionality, and unparalleled control of virtual instruments such as Xpand!, Strike and Hybrid.
Different Strokes The Axiom Pro keyboard controller line is the first to combine MIDI control with ASCII keystrokes. You can assign any button on Axiom Pro 61 to send ASCII messages accessing any of the available QWERTY keyboard shortcuts within your host DAW. Imagine the possibilities with Copy, Paste, Duplicate, New Track--anything you want to assign.
Complete MIDI Control Axiom Pro 61 has an amazing 65 MIDI-assignable controls, putting complete session control in one place. The eight velocity-sensitive trigger pads integrate acclaimed M-Audio Trigger Finger technology for laying down rhythm tracks or triggering loops and samples. Smoothly control parameters like filters, EQ and panning with the eight rotary encoder knobs. The nine 40mm sliders (each with its own fully assignable button) feature auto-mute to prevent jumping--ideal for controlling mixes, virtual organ drawbars and more. The keyboard's extensive controllers also include 12 fully assignable buttons in the keypad arrangement, a data/octave button, pitch bend and mod wheels, aftertouch, and dual assignable pedal jacks. In addition to USB connectivity, you'll also find traditional MIDI In and MIDI Out ports for connecting external MIDI devices.
Total Recall The Axiom Pro 61 keyboard has 50 memory locations--each with four quick-access profiles of controller assignments--allowing you to easily create and manage your own extensive library of presets with unprecedented power, ease and flexibility.
What's in the Box Axiom Pro 61 Keyboard, Printed Quick Start Guide, Axiom Pro Installation CD-ROM, Software Bundle Disc, USB Cable

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Yamaha QY100 Music Sequencer Review

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(More customer reviews)This is the best drum machine out there, because it's the only one I could find that allows you to substitute any yamaha keyboard sound for a drum. In other words, instead of the limit sounds you get from other drum machines (snares, kicks, symbols, and maybe bass), you get EVERY sound with this thing. So what you can do with this thing is take, for example, the kick on any preset drum loop this thing has, and replace that kick with a trumpet or guitar or strings. And obviously with such an awesome feature like that, it would be important to be able to set the "key" for those other instruments, which this thing does better than any other with its built-in miniature keyboard (look at the photos to see, it has a two octave keyboard of white and block keys) which you can use to "record" the key changes of your sequence. So you take, for example, a preset sequence/loop and you hit "record" and you begin to play along with the keys, and it records that as a song. You can then play back that song in any tempo, and it's like you got a whole band accompanying you. And more than this, this thing has a full-feature synth so you can edit every sound, make it dull, make it echo, add any effect, adjust the equalization of any sound, resonance, cut-off certain frequencies, etc. The only thing I wish this thing would do is light-up better in the dark. It can be hard to see in the dark. I had to use a book-reading light to see it in some live settings.

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Music Maker 17 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I just bought this,and I have to admit that it is absolutely terrible. For one,the technical support sucks.
You have to pay just to get help with any of their products. This software isn't like Magix music maker 15 and 16. This one is more geared towards "MIDI" and everything else,but not actual recordings.When you try recording (like guitar for example) the tracks just erase each other,and you have to everything manually. Unlike Magix music maker 15,each time you would record it would record on a new track and it would ask you if you wanted to keep that take or not. This one is just so dumbed down,I hate it.
I hate this software and I completely regret buying it. I cant even record anything. Don't buy this.If your serious about your music,buy something else.This is a joke.

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Music Maker 17 will put you in the composer's shoes and provide you with all the tools you need to create your own songs fromscratch. Plus, being your own artist will allow you to decide whether you want to stick to conventional musical genres, suchas Rap, R'n'B, pop, or classical music or take the plunge and develop your own--no musical training required! With over 1,500sound loops and an extensive number of virtual instruments at hand, Music Maker 17 will help you to complete your masterpiecein an instant.

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